Boating

Featherbed Company. In addition to running the ferry to the nature reserve, the Featherbed Company operates sightseeing boats on the lagoon (trips start at R100 per person), as well as a Mississippi-style paddle steamer that does lunch and dinner cruises. Off Waterfront Dr., Knysna, Western Cape, 6570. 044/382–1693; www.knysnafeatherbed.com.

Springtide Charters. This charter company operates a luxury 50-foot mono-hull yacht, Outeniqua, that takes visitors out on scenic cruises on the lagoon and through The Heads (weather permitting). The boat takes a maximum of 12 passengers, and can also be rented out for private parties. Their most popular outing is the sunset cruise (R750 per person) which includes Mediterranean-style snacks and a couple of glasses of bubbly. Springtide Charters also operates the Ocean Odyssey, Knysna's only accredited close-encounter whale watching vessel, which takes visitors through The Heads to the open ocean (R700 per person). Knysna Quays, Knysna, Western Cape, 6571. 082/470–6022; www.springtide.co.za.